Ida G. Henschel, age 85, resident of Petersburg, ND, died Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood, ND.

Ida Georgia Pecka was born October 23, 1925 near Lawton, ND, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Pic) Pecka.  She was raised on her parent's farm in Walsh County and attended school in the area.  She helped on the farm until 1943 when she moved with her family to Grand Forks.  Shortly thereafter, Ida moved to Chicago, IL, where she worked at the Buick Aircraft factory tearing down aircraft engines during World War II.  She later moved back to Grand Forks and became a Licensed Cosmetologist for Trepanier's Drugstore.  Ida married Herman Henschel on June 24, 1955 at Crookston, MN.  They continued living in Grand Forks where they raised a family and both worked for many years until they retired in 1986 and moved to Petersburg.  Herman died April 7, 2000.

Ida traveled to many different states in her lifetime, and more than once enjoyed visiting Disneyworld with her family.  She took a European vacation to France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany, and thought the Black Forest was one of the most beautiful places she'd ever seen.  At home, Ida loved gardening, and her yard was a summer showplace of plants and flowers.  She was also very passionate about animals, and never allowed a stray animal to go hungry or without care.  Ida always had a twinkle in her eye and a kind word for everyone she met.  She believed in sharing what she had with those who needed it more.  No one ever went without a cookie when she was around.

Ida was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in East Grand Forks, MN, for 31 years, and had received a 50-year pin from the ZCBJ Kosobud Lodge #106, currently meeting in Lankin.

Ida is survived by a son, Dan (Karen) of Fort Myers, FL; a daughter, Eileen of Petersburg, ND; a brother, Larry (Jane) Pecka, Sr. of Jamestown, ND; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and her precious pets.  She will be deeply missed by them all.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Eman; her parents, Frank and Mary Pecka; and her husband, Herman.

Ida's funeral service will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, following the funeral.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.